Netflix's Lessons from Fool Me Once

The Flaw in Fool Me Once

Netflix's adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel, Fool Me Once, has gained significant attention and viewership since its release. The series, which remained at the top of Netflix's charts for two consecutive weeks, has cemented its place as a popular mystery thriller. However, despite its initial success, Fool Me Once is not without its flaws, and these flaws serve as valuable lessons for Netflix's upcoming adaptations of Coben's books.

Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern on the phone in Fool Me Once episode 8

One of the most significant flaws in Fool Me Once is its ending. The narrative's conclusion, centered around Maya's shocking actions and the subsequent events, has been widely criticized for its lack of coherence and believability. The twist involving Maya's husband and the nanny's involvement in creating a deepfake raises questions that remain unanswered, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied and perplexed. The series' failure to effectively set up its twists and address the characters' behavior has left a lingering sense of disappointment among its audience.

Adeel Akhtar as Sami Kierce and Jade Anouka as Nicole Butler in Fool Me Once episode 4

Furthermore, the unrealistic and unsatisfactory resolution of Maya's fate has left a void in the narrative, failing to deliver the justice and closure that viewers anticipated. This flaw in Fool Me Once's conclusion is a crucial area that Netflix must address in its future adaptations to ensure a more fulfilling and compelling viewing experience for its audience.

Adeel Akhtar as Sami Kierce and Dino Fetscher as Marty McGreggor in Fool Me Once episode 6

Improving Future Adaptations

As Netflix prepares to bring two more of Harlan Coben's novels, Missing You and Run Away, to the small screen, it faces the imperative task of learning from the shortcomings of Fool Me Once. The streamer's commitment to delivering captivating and well-crafted mystery series hinges on its ability to address the flaws of its past adaptations and enhance the quality of its upcoming projects.

Harlan Coben Netflix Shows

In order to achieve this, Netflix must prioritize the refinement of the endings of its future adaptations. Rather than adhering strictly to the source material, the streamer should consider the opportunity to modify and enrich the narratives to ensure a more coherent and satisfying conclusion. By striking a delicate balance between honoring the essence of Coben's stories and enhancing the narrative for a more compelling viewing experience, Netflix can elevate the quality of its mystery series without alienating its loyal fan base. The upcoming adaptations hold the potential to redefine the streamer's credibility in the mystery genre and secure a more enduring connection with its audience.

Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once episode 6

The Importance of Sticking the Landing

The significance of delivering strong and impactful endings goes beyond the individual adaptations of Harlan Coben's novels; it extends to Netflix's credibility in the mystery genre. A well-crafted and satisfying conclusion is essential for the streamer to establish itself as a reliable producer of compelling mystery series. The ability to surprise and captivate the audience with coherent plot twists is a hallmark of successful mystery narratives, and Netflix's future adaptations must exemplify this essential quality.

Emmett J Scanlan as Shane Tessier and Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once episode 1

Moreover, as the demand for substance and depth in entertainment grows, Netflix must recognize the importance of learning from Fool Me Once's flaws and applying these lessons to its future adaptations. By prioritizing the coherence and strength of its narrative conclusions, the streamer can elevate the overall quality of its mystery series and cultivate a loyal following that values the substance and integrity of the storytelling.

Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern and Hattie Morahan as Caroline Burkett in Fool Me Once episode 2